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Monday, 27 June 2016

It takes serious guts for a woman to show up on any red carpet (or grey in this case) with ZERO makeup on! I hated what Alicia wore during her arrival, but kudos where kudos is due because I know I couldn't do it. Hollywood is scrutinising as it is. Check last night's looks below (and feel free to add). Who was your fave?

Fantasia decided to push the boat a little with this one. She teams up with Derek Blanks to deliver a visual that had an 'Orange Is The New Black' meets 'Chicago' type vibe. I kinda like it. ‘Sleeping With The One I Love’ is off Fantasia's new album 'The Definition Of...' due July 29th via RCA Records.

Mila J recently dropped her new EP '213,' and has just released the first visual from it. The Chris Stokes directed clip is summery, and it wouldn't be a Mila J video without some choreo. I'm in different about the song, but like Christina Milian, it seems she's resigned herself to being no more than just a self funded EP artist.

The latest cut to be released from Maxwell's upcoming 'blackSUMMERS’night' album is the seductive, horn-heavy 'All The Ways Love Can Feel.' This is crying out for a remix. Not to say the song needs one. It doesn't. I just feel a fierce remix could be made from this. What do you think? Maxwell's new album drops on Friday.

Previously reported was Fergie's lead single where she shot a cameo-filled music video with a bunch of celebrity mums. It is now titled 'M.I.L.F.$,' and according to Universal Music Singapore, it is set to be released on digital retailers and streaming services from July 1st (this Friday). The track is lifted off her upcoming 'Double Duchess' album. You ready?!

Kelly's got some serious Beyoncé problems, because she's clearly trying to push that one chick to the forefront. They sound great and the video is cute for what it is but the song is that stereotypical/boxed in urban cut, and dropping a profanity laced track as a debut single is very risky business.

Rihanna is really showing her range on her haunting new single ‘Sledgehammer,’ which will assist the upcoming sci-fi film 'Star Trek Beyond.'
She sounds really good here, but the real question is, do you think the Sia penned ballad is going to win her an Oscar (apparently Rih has writing credits too)?

What did BET have to do to get Beyoncé this year? You know she'll only show her face every few years (if that). Sometimes, they'd be lucky to get a performance from her via Skype. On the other hand, Bey has been pro-black this era, so she decided to throw in the towel and do it big. Water filled stage and all. See you in 10 years time, Bey!

Usher was cruelly reminded that he's getting older. Dancing AND singing is something he can't really do anymore. Harsh reality. He was already out of breath during the first verse, and it's really sad to see him move into this direction. He should be aging gracefully into a Luther Vandross. Not Chris Brown.

A single vocal flaw could not be heard in Maxwell's performance last night as he performed latest single 'Lake By The Ocean' as well as a rousing Prince tribute of 'Nothing Compares 2 U.' Watch Maxwell giving soul to the party below.

Alicia sounds really good when she sings in her range and isn't straining. It appears she was trying to cut down on costs and not pay for a band. Either that, or BET's budget was blown on Beyoncé. The economic fallout of Brexit is hitting everybody hard.

This performance perfectly captured the pain we all feel at the premature loss of Prince. My only concern is that Jennifer Hudson's singing career is fast becoming tribute performances. She is like the Grimm Reaper of soul, disappearing for a while and only resurfacing when somebody of significance passes away.

As talented as Janelle Monáe is, the vocal just wasn't there. It was an entertaining tribute though, and the energy was exceptional. She even rocked those cut out butt pants that Prince wore back in the day. So no, she wasn't going the classless route as suggested by some.

Sunday, 26 June 2016

The fact that Kanye West doesn't target Bey and Jay in his controversial 'Famous' video clearly shows he knows WHO to draw the line with. Chris Brown, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift were all victims though. While Chris laughs it off, other celebs may not and could very well sue him for sexualising their image without their permission.

Christina with controlled vocals works so well. Her first televised performance of 'Change' was really nice (as well as emotional). The song itself pays homage to the victims of Orlando’s Pulse Night Club tragedy. Check out the heartfelt performance inside!

Seems June's Diary's new single
'L.A.N.C.E.' (acronym for 'Lying Ass N*gga Cheating Everyday') is strictly for the urban market only. However, a profanity laced song as your debut single? Nope. Not the way to go. June's Diary is better suited as an actual album title. They should've just kept 'Chasing Destiny' instead.

Thursday, 23 June 2016

Maxwell is simply brooding on this sexy, smooth, quiet storm, even if he previewed the song well over three years ago! Yeah, probably not as "new" as I'd have liked. Still, look out for 'Gods' when the song features on his upcoming new album 'blackSUMMERS’night,' due July 1st.

It was only a matter of time. But since sales of Adele's blockbuster selling album '25' have slowed, now's a good time to put her music on all the main streaming services. The initial decision was taken to protect '25' from early cannibalization of sales. For the first time after midnight, '25' will be streaming on Spotify, Tidal and Apple Music in full. Good news?

Chris Martin tells the UK's The Guardian that Rihanna's voice is a force to be reckoned with. He says: "Rihanna is the Frank Sinatra of our generation. She can turn anything into gold with that voice." Deja bloody Vu? To add my two pence, if he's talking about Rihanna's voice easily fitting any genre without sounding out of place, I'm inclined to agree.

Chris Brown's ex manager Mike G is suing him for beating him up (deets!) A month never goes by without someone claiming he assaulted them. But it's his Instagram video addressing the incident that bothers me more. He looks a drug-addled mess! Dude has too much money to not receive the psychological help he needs. Something is seriously wrong with him!

Usher refuses to say when his new album 'Flawed' will be released because the idea of dates, boxes and categories scare him. That sounds like a bit ofa cop out. It's probably his way of saying an album won't be released until he actually gets that hit single. An upcoming tour for the much awaited project has also been confirmed.

One of the things that has become boring about a Beyoncé album campaign is that when she drops a video to VEVO, there is ZERO excitement. That's what happens when she releases her visuals all in one go. Don't you miss the days when you actually use to anticipate the release of an actual Beyoncé video?

Fergie Ferg has just dropped a second teaser for her new song 'Hungry.' In doing so, she confirms her upcoming new album is in deed titled 'Double Dutchess.' Her husband Josh Duhammel dropped that very tea months ago. Fergie's back and her belly is rumbling but is YOURS?

Tuesday, 21 June 2016

Kelis served up the main dish with her last album 'Food,' and now it seems fans will be in for some dessert in the very near future. Kelis is back to recording new music again and her fans are very happy about this news. Me too.

Rihanna will headline Jay Z's 'Made In America' festival during Labor Day Weekend (September 3rd-4th in Philadelphia). Soon enough, Rihanna will be able to claim an authentic Gold certification from the RIAA. Her latest album 'ANTi' has sold 463,000 in pure (Stateside) sales to date.

Atlantic Records have yet to get the ball rolling with JoJo's new album, and she signed with them in 2013. Rita Ora needs to keep her fingers crossed that this relationship goes well. Other than Bruno Mars, they don't exactly have the best track record. Besides that, buh bye Roc Nation!

Sunday, 19 June 2016

Weight loss really suits Mariah Carey. For a moment, I thought this was actually a throwback. That's how great she looks. But I hate that she's having a midlife crisis. Her latest antics have me a little stumped and I think she is way too old to be thotting it up for likes. Kim Kardashian has no talent, but at least MC is a legend! See what I mean below.

Australian fans were in for quite a treat when Brandy took her show Down Under this week. The trek, which is billed 'Slayana In These Streets' tour saw the veteran combining vocals, choreography and all of her classic hits to her very engaging set. Peep some of the action below.

Flaunting what her mama gave her was Ashanti. The singer took to the stage in a tiny sequinned two-piece at the Hot 107.9 birthday bash in Atlanta over the weekend. Her latest showing comes ahead of her joint 11-date tour with rapper Ja Rule, which kicks off on August 25th in New York City.

Britney Spears debuted two new outfits as she returned to the stage at Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas over the weekend. Her body looks the best it has looked in years, but whoever told the poor gal that transparent leotards over fishnets was a good look needs to be fired.

Rita Ora looks quite nice when she does subtle. No need for wacky hair, weird clothing or clown make-up! If she rocked a darker hair colour, she would look a lot better than she does now. Every shoot she does these days, you just know what to expect from it.

If all it took was marketing and looks, Christina Milian would be a superstar. Unfortunately she isn't, but that's never really stopped her from slaying the hell out of a photoshoot. Fun fact: Did you know she comes second after Christina Aguilera when you type in her first name in Wikipedia?

So refreshing to see a natural-haired, chocolate beauty in Usher's new video. Something we don't see enough of these days especially in R&B and Hip Hop music videos. The song is still pants though. 'Crash' is taken from Usher's upcoming new album 'Flawed,' due later this year.

This video is literally green screen BS. Rihanna looks gorgeous (as usual), but she's just dancing around in a big box while strobe lights go crazy. Warning might be too late, but perhaps those that suffer epilepsy should steer clear. 'This Is What You Came For' is currently #7 on the BB Hot 100.

Tuesday, 14 June 2016

X Factor's most successful export Leona Lewis has reportedly been dropped from Island after just one album. A nice way to deflect on such bad news is the announcement she's about to go into musical theatre. Her fifth studio album 'I Am' sold less than 10,000 copies in its first week last year. However, Universal are still keen to keep her on board.

Monday, 13 June 2016

Don't sleep on bae. Craig David isn't the poor man's Drake. He is the original Drake, and he's bringing back the oldschool garage vibe to the mainstream. I have to admit that his old tunes are well better than his new stuff, so his oldschool set (which took us down memory lane) was quite welcoming. Check it out.

Everything about Ariana Grande bores me. Sure, she can sing and has cute bops. But the issue here is that she has the stage presence of a 4th grader at her first talent show. During her
set at Summertime Ball, she confirmed that there will be a UK tour to assist her latest album 'Dangerous Woman,' but would you be here for it?

The industry doesn't make 'em the way they use to. Girl groups today could never touch the ones I grew up listening to. However, these girls deserve to be bigger nationwide. They put so much effort into their vocal and choreography, and have more vocal control dancing than some artist do while sitting!

Unsurprisingly, Usher stays chasing musical trends. 'No Limit' sees him diving head first into vulgarity, trap music, whereas 'Crash' takes on a more (basic) pop sound. Very underwhelming to say the least! Usher's eighth studio album 'Flawed' is reportedly set for a July release.

Dawn Richard wants to be edgy and artistic so damn bad. I like her vibe sometimes but she tries waaay too hard to be different. The music is an ear sore (too much autotune) and she's done a lot better previously. Watch Dawn combine fashion and a post-apocalyptic theme in her 'Wake Up' visuals below.

K. Michelle is out there dropping S&M-inspired visuals, and her *ahem* home videos leaked online over the weekend. Ironic that she's performing a striptease for her man, when it can be asked who she was sending those actual videos to. K's latest album 'More Issues Than Vogue' is out now.

Wednesday, 8 June 2016

Disrespectful? Wrong? After being in the industry for over a decade and releasing endless bops, JoJo will serve as an opening act on Fifth Harmony's ‘7/27’ tour. *crickets* I understand WHY she's opening up for them. But it should be the other way round. Such a sad shame that her career didn't prosper to bigger and better things.

Beyoncé's latest album 'Lemonade' hit Platinum in pure sales recently, and now the RIAA has officially certified it Platinum too. As a result, all six of Bey's solo albums are now certified. Of course Bey was all smiles last night when she posed it up backstage during the NYC stop of her 'Formation' tour alongside Trayvon Martin's mother and brother.

Tuesday, 7 June 2016

Kelly Rowland's newly formed girl group Chasing Destiny dropped their first single 'All Of Us' today. Yes indeed, that's the actual group name. It sounds so cliche and similar to Destiny's Child. So unoriginal. As for the mid-tempo R&B cut, sounds like it should have came out in 2004. And you can definitely hear some early DC influences.

In promotion of her sparkly new Unbreakable Diamonds collection, Janet Jackson did a playful photoshoot for Emirates Woman magazine. Pregnancy has that glowing effect on Ms. Jackson. She remains her fun and quirky self behind the scenes. Jimmy Jam also promises more albums. The cover story is available to read here.

You can buy fashion, but you can't buy taste. Whoever chose Ciara's dress did not respect her in the slightest. It looks like a bunch of curtains sewn together, and not in a good way either. Maybe one day, CiCi will get her turn and be a fashion honoree as opposed to watching her much more successful peers getting it from the sidelines. A girl can dream right?

Christina Aguilera debuted her fiery red hair onstage during the ‘Hillary Clinton: She’s With Us’ concert at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, last night. She looks different with red hair, major Jessica Rabbit vibes, but it's certainly a welcoming change from almost 20 years of peroxide blonde. ETA: Oh just remembered, she did do black hair once.

Beyoncé was honoured with the 2016 CFDA Fashion Icon Award last night and her acceptance speech was emotional, poised and very eloquent. It took us waaaay back to her humble beginnings and sacrifices. The wisdom, grace, and style she exudes today was clearly passed down to her from the women in her family. Check out her entire speech below.

Monday, 6 June 2016

Lady Gaga's fifth studio album will be out "later in the year or early next year," according to her album spokesperson Elton John during a recent interview with Apple Music. This is hilarious because her fans are having meltdowns. They're like "Next year? WTF." At least Rihanna will be able to release her next effort without anyone standing in her way. Tee hee.

With the excessive media coverage surrounding Calvin Harris' breakup with Taylor Swift, Nelly Furtado decides to re-work and spotify his 2011 hit 'Feel So Close' in studio (acoustic) format. Nelly first performed it on SiriusXM’s Hits 1 show in 2012. Unexpected. But at least it should tide fans over until she's ready to make an official comeback.